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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Streetscape Committee held a special meeting to discuss a proposal to widen sidewalks on a portion of downtown Valley City along Central Avenue on October 24th.

The discussion focused on the pros and cons for downtown businesses if the project moved forward.

Advocates like committee member Tim Spellman was asked by a business owner if the widening project would really have a positive impact for downtown businesses.

Prairie Frame Shop owner Mary Berntson told the committee, she believes the project will have a negative impact on her business.

Central Avenue Health Mart Pharmacy owner Doreen Sayler said some customers told her finding a parking space downtown is a bigger issue.

Ole’s Attic owner Dawn Riley questioned the philosophy behind the proposed project.

Following the testimony the committee voted 4 to 3 to recommend sending the sidewalk widening proposal to the city commission for discussion.

Streetscape committee members Jeff Edwards, Mary Lee Nielson, Becky Heise and Tim Spellman voted in favor of the recommendation while George Dutton, Dean Kinney and Kay Vinje voted against the proposal.